Dedicated to Helping You Realize the Zest of Life * Tri-Lingual Health and Wellness Updates and Tips

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Being Satisfied With Your Life Can Be Good For Your Heart

Picture credit: http://couragenet.com

The greater the satisfaction, the greater the protection

While depression and anxiety have long been recognised as risk factors for heart disease, there is less certainty over the beneficial effects of a 'positive' psychological state.

Now, following a study of almost 8000 British civil servants, researchers say that a satisfying life is indeed good for the heart.

The civil servants - who were all members of the Whitehall II study cohort in the UK with an average age of 49 years - were questioned about seven specific areas of their everyday lives: love relationships, leisure activities, standard of living, job, family, sex, and one's self. They were asked to rate their satisfaction in each domain on a scale of 1 ('very dissatisfied') to 7 ('very satisfied'). Ratings for each domain were also combined to provide an average satisfaction score for their overall lives.

The participants' health records were then examined for coronary related deaths, non-fatal heart attack, and clinically verified angina over a follow-up period of around six years.

Happiness in four key areas -- job, family, sex and self

It was found that higher levels of overall life satisfaction were associated with a statistically significant 13 percent reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Satisfaction in four main areas -- job, family, sex and self -- was also associated with a 13 percent reduced risk of heart disease.

The reduced risk, however, was not associated with love relationships, leisure activities or standard of living, the researchers found.

The results of the study are published online July 4 by the European Heart Journal.(1)

The findings suggest that people at high risk for heart disease may benefit from programs to boost a positive state of mind, study author Dr. Julia Boehm, of Harvard School of Public Health, noted in the news release.

the fine print

Prices and promotions are subject to change without notice.

We do not promote dangerous and illegal drugs.

The information in Zestzfulness is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for advice provided by your own doctor or pharmacist. We strive to present the most updated information to you; however, no warranty or guarantee is made concerning the accuracy and/or completeness or the information in or linked to or from this site.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor or pharmacist.